Nozzle assembly for a washing machine appliance

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance includes a nozzle assembly for providing a flow of wash fluid to a tub. The nozzle assembly includes a housing positioned under a top panel of the appliance, the housing defining a plurality of tracks extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. A flexible hose is positioned within the housing and is coiled back and forth within the plurality of tracks such that it is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A retraction mechanism, such as a torsional spring, is mounted within the housing for urging the flexible hose toward the retracted position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and more particularly to washing machine appliances having a retractable nozzle assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. More specifically, a predetermined volume of wash fluid is typically provided through a stationary nozzle positioned at the center of the back wall of the washing machine appliance. However, in certain situations, a user may wish to have additional wash fluid dispensed into the tub and/or may wish to direct the flow of wash fluid onto a particular garment or within a specific region of the wash tub, e.g., to perform a pretreating operation, to saturate a particular article of clothing, or to accommodate an extra-large load. The ability to adjust the amount of water or wash fluid and its dispensing location is a commercially desirable feature and increases the user's positive perception of the wash process generally.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that provides a user with more control over the dispensing of wash fluid is desirable. In particular, a nozzle assembly that enables the dispensing of an additional amount of wash fluid at a desired location within the tub would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance including a nozzle assembly for providing a flow of wash fluid to a tub. The nozzle assembly includes a housing positioned under a top panel of the appliance, the housing defining a plurality of tracks extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. A flexible hose is positioned within the housing and is coiled back and forth within the plurality of tracks such that it is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A retraction mechanism, such as a torsional spring, is mounted within the housing for urging the flexible hose toward the retracted position. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet including a top panel, the top panel defining an opening. A tub is positioned within the cabinet and a wash basket is rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. A nozzle assembly is configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the tub, the nozzle assembly including a housing defining a first end and a second end separated along a longitudinal axis and a plurality of tracks extending substantially along the longitudinal axis. A flexible hose is positioned within the plurality of tracks, the flexible hose being movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A retraction mechanism is mounted within the housing for urging the flexible hose toward the retracted position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a nozzle assembly positioned under a top panel of a washing machine appliance is provided. The nozzle assembly includes a housing defining a first end and a second end separated along a longitudinal axis, the housing defining a first track, a second track, and a third track all extending substantially along the longitudinal axis. A flexible hose is positioned within the housing, the flexible hose extending from the first end toward the second end within the first track, defining a first bend, extending from the second end toward the first end within the second track, defining a second bend, and then extending from the first end toward the second end within the third track. A retraction mechanism is mounted within the housing and is coupled to the flexible hose proximate the second bend for urging the flexible hose toward a retracted position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a top panel of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, with a detergent reservoir and a nozzle assembly shown in phantom according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a top view of the exemplary top panel of FIG. 3 with the detergent reservoir and the nozzle assembly shown in phantom according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary top panel and nozzle assembly, taken along Line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 provides a cross sectional view of the exemplary top panel and nozzle assembly, taken along Line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 provides a top schematic view of a flexible hose of the exemplary nozzle assembly of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a cross sectional view of a housing of the exemplary nozzle assembly of FIG. 3, taken along Line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position. Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket 120 and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 120 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140. Top panel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Door 130, rotatably mounted to top panel 140, permits selective access to opening 105; in particular, door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash basket 120. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 120. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130. Further, although door 130 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 140, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any other suitable support.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1) extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input selector 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, controller 108 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via nozzle assembly 200, which will be described in detail below. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 105.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 8, a nozzle assembly 200 will be described in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment. Although the discussion below refers to nozzle assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other nozzle assemblies in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, nozzle assembly 200 may be positioned on a front of cabinet 102, may have a different shape or retraction mechanism, and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Nozzle assembly 200 is generally configured for providing a flow of wash fluid into wash tub 121. More specifically, the flow of wash water is provided through a semi-rigid or flexible hose 202. Flexible hose 202 is generally any fluid conduit that extends from a fluid supply to a location suitable for discharging wash fluid into wash tub 121. In this regard, for example, flexible hose 202 may include an inlet 204 and an outlet 206. Inlet 204 is fluidly coupled to a valve assembly 208 (FIG. 7) for receiving a flow of wash fluid. Although flexible hose 202 is illustrated as being coupled to a valve assembly 208, it should be appreciated that flexible hose could instead be coupled to a detergent box, a wash additive reservoir, a hot or cold water supply, or any other suitable wash fluid supply source. According to an exemplary embodiment, flexible hose 202 may be constructed from any suitably flexible conduit, such as vinyl or rubber. In addition, as used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof.

Flexible hose 202 is positioned at least in part within a housing 210. Housing 210 may be, for example, constructed from rigid plastic (e.g., via injection molding) and configured for being positioned underneath top panel 140. More specifically, housing 210 can be positioned within a cavity 212 defined by top panel 140. As illustrated, housing 210 is positioned between a sidewall of cabinet 102 and opening 105 of wash tub 121. Moreover, housing 210 is contoured to match the shape of opening 105. Housing 210 may be mounted to top panel 140 using any suitable mechanical fastener, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Similarly, glue, bonding, snap-fit mechanisms, interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof be used to join housing 210 to top panel 140.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, housing 210 generally defines a longitudinal axis 220 that is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. More specifically, housing 210 extends between a first end 222 proximate a rear of cabinet 102 and a second end 224 proximate a front of cabinet 102 along the longitudinal axis 220. It should be appreciated, however, that housing 220 could alternatively be positioned at any suitable location and in any suitable orientation within cabinet 102. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, housing 210 defines a plurality of tracks 230 extending substantially along the longitudinal axis 220. In general, tracks 230 are configured for receiving and guiding flexible hose 202 as it moves between an extended position (not shown) and a retracted position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). Tracks 230 are generally defined by a plurality of walls 232 that extend between a top wall 234 and a bottom wall 236 of housing 210, e.g., along the vertical direction V in FIG. 5. In addition, housing 210 may include one or more support bosses 238 for achieving the desired spacing between top wall 234 and bottom wall 236.

According to the illustrated embodiment, flexible hose 202 is coiled, wound, or otherwise routed through tracks 230 in a manner that enable it to move between an extended position and a retracted position without binding, kinking, or seizing within housing 210. As illustrated, housing 210 defines a first track 242, a second track 244, and a third track 246. Although tracks 230 are described herein as being defined by walls 232, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, pins or any other suitable guide members may be used to define these pathways.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7, flexible hose 202 enters first end 222 of housing 210 into first track 242 which is positioned closest to or adjacent to opening 105 according to the illustrated embodiment. Flexible hose 202 then passes down first track 242 toward second end 224 before turning back at a first bend 250, e.g., substantially 180 degrees back toward first end 222. Flexible hose 202 then passes from second end 224 toward first end 222 within second track 244, which according to the illustrated embodiment is positioned closest to or adjacent sidewall of cabinet 102. Flexible hose 202 then defines a second bend 252 and again turns substantially 180 degrees back toward second end 224 within third track 246, which according to the illustrated embodiment is positioned between first track 242 and second track 244.

In general, walls 232 are defined to control the movement of flexible hose 202 within housing 210. For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, walls 232 may fit snuggly or clamp onto flexible hose 202 at certain positions (e.g., as identified in FIG. 7 with an “F” for fixed) to prevent those portions of flexible hose 202 from sliding or moving relative to housing 210. By contrast, other walls 230 are configured for allowing portions of flexible hose 202 to slide along the longitudinal axis 220 (e.g., as identified in FIG. 7 with an “S” for sliding). In addition, walls 232 may allow movement of flexible hose 202 in one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220 but not in the opposite direction. Although exemplary walls 232 are illustrated in FIG. 8 for achieving such movement, it should be appreciated that walls 232 or any other suitable guide features may be positioned within housing 210 for controlling the movement of flexible hose 202 as it moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

In the extended position, flexible hose 202 may exit housing 210 and extend toward wash tub 121 for selectively providing wash fluid into wash tub 121 or onto an article of clothing. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, flexible hose 202 passes out of housing 210 through an aperture 260 defined in top panel 140. In the retracted position, outlet 206 of flexible hose 202 may be extending slightly out of aperture 260 for easy access and may be pulled toward wash tub 121. According to alternative embodiments, outlet 206 of flexible hose 202 may exit housing 210, e.g., from a hole in the side of housing 210 and extend between top panel 140 and wash tub 121 or may exit at any other suitable location.

As explained above, flexible hose 202 is positioned within the housing 210 and is wound or passed through tracks 230 such that flexible hose 202 is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. Notably, it may be desirable to urge flexible hose 202 toward the retracted position, e.g., to prevent outlet 206 from falling into wash tub 121 and thereby ensuring that wash fluid from within the wash tub 121 cannot be drawn back through flexible hose 202, e.g., into the water supply or leaked elsewhere within washing machine appliance 100.

Therefore, nozzle assembly 200 further includes a retraction mechanism 270 mounted within housing 210 for urging flexible hose 202 toward the retracted position. More specifically, referring to FIG. 7, retraction mechanism 270 is positioned proximate second bend 252 of flexible hose 202 and is coupled to flexible hose 202 at an attachment point 272 or at multiple points. As illustrated, retraction mechanism 270 is a torsional spring (e.g., such as commonly used in a tape measure). However, according to alternative embodiments, retraction mechanism 270 may be a linear spring, a weighted loop, a coiling/winding mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism for retracting flexible hose 202.

In operation, a user may pull on an end of flexible hose 202, e.g., proximate outlet 206. As the user pulls, flexible hose 202 is pulled out of aperture 260 toward the extended position, retraction mechanism 270 extends along the longitudinal axis 220, and first bend 250 and second bend 252 are drawn closer together such that the coiling or winding of flexible hose 202 is made tighter. After the user is finished using the flexible hose 202 for providing wash fluid into wash tub 121, the user may release flexible hose 202 and retraction mechanism 270 (as well as some resiliency in flexible hose 202) draw flexible hose 202 back into housing 210 and into the retracted position.

According to the illustrated embodiment, nozzle assembly 200 further includes a spray nozzle 280 attached to outlet 206 of flexible hose 202. Spray nozzle 280 is generally configured for directing the flow of wash fluid in the desired direction, generating the desired spray pattern, or otherwise stopping and starting the flow of wash fluid. For example, nozzle assembly 200 may further include a button 282 that is operably coupled with spray nozzle 280 such that spray nozzle 280 is configured for discharging wash fluid when button 282 is pressed. Button 282 may be any button or switch suitable for providing an indication to controller 108 that a particular action should be initiated. For example, button 282 may be a push button switch, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, or any other suitable tactile switch, such as a capacitive touch buttons configured for regulating a flow of wash fluid.

According to the illustrated embodiment, button 282 is located on spray nozzle 280. However, according to alternative embodiments, button 282 may be mounted on control panel 110 of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., button 282 may be one of input selectors 112. During operation, a user may wish to add additional water to wash tub 121, e.g., to prewash one or more articles of clothing or due to a perceived need for more water to effectively wash a load. The user may actuate spray nozzle 280 using button 282 to supply such wash fluid or water. According to still other embodiments, outlet 206 may simply be an opening in the end of flexible hose 202 and no nozzle is needed.

According to the illustrated embodiment, housing 210 of nozzle assembly 200 is positioned underneath top panel 140 of washing machine appliance 100. More specifically, housing 210 is positioned under top panel 140 on a right lateral side of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover, the longitudinal axis 220 of housing 210 extends substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 5, housing 210 is positioned above wash tub 121 along the vertical direction V such that the risk of spray nozzle 280 falling into wash tub 121 during operation is reduced or eliminated.

However, it should be appreciated that the position and configuration of nozzle assembly 200 described herein is only exemplary. The size, position, and orientation of housing 210 may vary according to alternative embodiments. For example, housing 210 could extend along the lateral direction L at a front or rear of washing machine appliance 100 or may extend such that longitudinal axis 220 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. Other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet including a top panel, the top panel defining an opening; a tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing; and a nozzle assembly configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the tub, the nozzle assembly comprising: a housing defining a first end and a second end separated along a longitudinal axis and a plurality of tracks extending substantially along the longitudinal axis; a flexible hose positioned within the plurality of tracks, the flexible hose being movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and a retraction mechanism mounted within the housing for urging the flexible hose toward the retracted position.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tracks comprises a first track and a second track, the flexible hose extending from the first end toward the second end within the first track, defining a first bend, and then extending from the second end toward the first end within the second track.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tracks comprises a third track, the flexible hose defining a second bend and extending from the first end toward the second end within the third track.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the retraction mechanism is positioned proximate the second bend of the flexible hose.
 5. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the third track is positioned between the first track and the second track.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tracks are defined by a plurality of walls extending along the vertical direction between a top wall and a bottom wall of the housing.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of tracks is configured for preventing the sliding of the flexible hose along the longitudinal axis.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of tracks is configured for preventing movement of the flexible hose along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the retraction mechanism is a linear spring, a torsional spring, a weighted loop, or a coiling/winding mechanism.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the top panel defines an aperture and the flexible hose passes out of the housing and through the aperture.
 11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the flexible hose is includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being fluidly coupled to a valve assembly for receiving a flow of wash fluid.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a spray nozzle attached to the outlet of the flexible hose.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a button that is operably coupled with the spray nozzle, the spray nozzle being configured for discharging wash fluid when the button is pressed.
 14. The washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the button is mounted on a control panel of the washing machine appliance.
 15. The washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the button is located on the spray nozzle.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is located underneath the top panel of the washing machine appliance.
 17. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is positioned above the tub along the vertical direction.
 18. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the housing is positioned proximate a side wall of the cabinet along the lateral direction.
 19. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance.
 20. A nozzle assembly positioned under a top panel of a washing machine appliance, the nozzle assembly comprising: a housing defining a first end and a second end separated along a longitudinal axis, the housing defining a first track, a second track, and a third track all extending substantially along the longitudinal axis; a flexible hose positioned within the housing, the flexible hose extending from the first end toward the second end within the first track, defining a first bend, extending from the second end toward the first end within the second track, defining a second bend, and then extending from the first end toward the second end within the third track; and a retraction mechanism mounted within the housing and being coupled to the flexible hose proximate the second bend for urging the flexible hose toward a retracted position. 